Matthew Broderick Movies - A Look At His Career
For anyone who grew up watching movies, there’s a good chance Matthew Broderick’s face, or maybe his voice, made an impression. He has been a part of so many stories that, really, have become a part of our collective memory. From playing a high school student who just wants a day off to giving voice to a lion prince, his contributions to film and television are, you know, quite varied and truly remarkable.
You might remember him as the clever teen who outsmarted everyone, or perhaps as the voice of a character from a beloved animated tale. He has, in some respects, been a presence on screens for a long time, bringing a distinct charm to his parts. His work spans a wide range of types, showing a talent for many different kinds of stories.
So, if you’re curious about the full scope of his acting work, or maybe the films he helped make in other ways, we’re going to take a closer look. We’ll explore a good many of Matthew Broderick’s movies, seeing what makes each one stand out and remembering some of the moments that, actually, really stayed with us.
Table of Contents
- Who is Matthew Broderick - A Look at His Beginnings?
- Early Matthew Broderick Movies - Where Did It All Start?
- Iconic Matthew Broderick Movies - Roles That Stick With Us
- Beyond the Big Screen - Other Matthew Broderick Movies and Shows?
- Exploring the Range of Matthew Broderick Movies
- Dramatic Turns in Matthew Broderick Movies
- How Do Matthew Broderick Movies Compare - Best and Worst?
- A Full Look at Matthew Broderick Movies - His Complete Work
Who is Matthew Broderick - A Look at His Beginnings?
Matthew Broderick, born on March 21, 1962, is an American actor whose professional life has, in a way, included both stage work and screen appearances. He got his start performing in plays away from the main theater district in New York City. He very quickly became the main performer in Neil Simon’s play, “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” This early stage success, you know, really set the stage for his move to films.
His very first screen part was in a movie called “Max Dugan Returns.” This initial film role, basically, marked his entry into the world of cinema, allowing audiences to see his acting skills on a wider platform. From those early days, he has continued to build a career that, truly, spans many different kinds of roles and stories.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Matthew Broderick |
| Birth Date | March 21, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
Early Matthew Broderick Movies - Where Did It All Start?
After his start in "Max Dugan Returns," Matthew Broderick quickly found himself in roles that would, quite frankly, shape his early film career. One of his most memorable early appearances was in "WarGames" from 1983. In this movie, he played a young computer whiz who, by accident, nearly starts a global conflict. It was a part that, you know, really showed his ability to carry a story with a lot of tension and big ideas. The film, in a way, captured the worries of its time about technology and world events.
Then came "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" in 1986, which is, arguably, one of his most well-known performances. He played a high school student who is, basically, quite confident and determined to have an amazing day off from school. This character, as a matter of fact, became a symbol of youthful freedom and a bit of clever rebellion. The movie itself is, still, a favorite for many people who appreciate its humor and spirit. It truly cemented his image as a charming and witty young actor.
Another significant early film was "Project X" from 1987. Here, he played a character involved with chimpanzees being used in a military experiment. This film, in some respects, showed a different side to his acting, moving away from the lighthearted roles and into something with a bit more seriousness and a message. It was a chance for him to, you know, explore a part that had more emotional depth.
Iconic Matthew Broderick Movies - Roles That Stick With Us
When people think of Matthew Broderick, certain parts come to mind right away, and they are, generally, quite beloved. Beyond "Ferris Bueller," his voice work in "The Lion King" is, of course, a huge part of his lasting impact. He lent his voice to the grown-up Simba, the lion prince who, as the story goes, must return to take his rightful place. The animated film itself is, basically, a classic, and his voice brought a sense of warmth and strength to the character. It's a role that, truly, introduced him to a whole new generation of fans.
Then there's "Glory" from 1989, which, you know, showed a very different side of his acting. In this historical drama, he played a real-life figure, a young officer leading one of the first African American regiments during the Civil War. This role, in a way, was a serious turn for him, allowing him to show a more dramatic and thoughtful performance. It's a movie that, quite honestly, remains powerful and important, and his part in it is, pretty much, unforgettable.
"Election" from 1999 is another one of those Matthew Broderick movies that, in fact, stands out. He played a high school teacher who, as it turns out, gets into a very complicated situation with a student running for class president. The film is, arguably, a sharp look at human nature and ambition, and his performance in it is, you know, very nuanced and, actually, quite funny in its own way. It showed his ability to play characters with a bit more moral ambiguity.
Beyond the Big Screen - Other Matthew Broderick Movies and Shows?
While he is well-known for his film work, Matthew Broderick has also been involved in a variety of other screen projects, including TV shows, TV movies, and even short films. His full list of credits, as a matter of fact, really shows how much he has done over the years. He has, for example, appeared in different kinds of stories on television, which, you know, allows him to reach a wider audience and try out different kinds of characters.
Sometimes, these other projects give performers a chance to, basically, explore roles that might not fit into a typical movie. He has, in a way, taken on parts in TV series and movies made for television, expanding his range and showing his acting skills in different formats. This breadth of work, you know, really paints a complete picture of his career, going beyond just the big cinema releases.
It's interesting to see how his career has, in fact, grown to include so many different types of productions. Whether it's a small part in a short film or a longer role in a TV series, he has, generally, brought his unique touch to each one. This variety, as I was saying, helps to show just how versatile he is as a performer.
Exploring the Range of Matthew Broderick Movies
Matthew Broderick has, in a way, taken on many different kinds of parts throughout his career, showing his ability to adapt to various story types. For instance, in "The Cable Guy" from 1996, he played a character who, as it happens, finds himself caught in a strange and unsettling friendship with a cable installer. This movie, you know, was a bit darker and more unusual than some of his previous work, allowing him to explore a different kind of comedy with some unsettling undertones. It was a part that, basically, showed his willingness to try new things.
Then there was "Godzilla" in 1998, a big-budget action film where he played a scientist. This movie, in some respects, was a huge spectacle, and his role was to be the relatable human element amidst all the giant monster chaos. It was a departure from his more character-driven pieces and, truly, put him in the middle of a very large-scale production. This kind of movie, you know, really shows the range of projects he has been a part of.
He also appeared in "Inspector Gadget" in 1999, playing the well-known bumbling detective. This family-friendly film, as a matter of fact, allowed him to return to a more lighthearted and, you know, somewhat silly role, bringing a comic book character to life. These films, taken together, demonstrate that he doesn't stick to just one kind of story; he's more or less open to many different types of cinematic experiences.
Dramatic Turns in Matthew Broderick Movies
While many people know him for his lighter or more charming roles, Matthew Broderick has also, in fact, delivered some really strong dramatic performances. "You Can Count on Me" from 2000 is a good example of this. In this film, he played a quiet and, you know, somewhat reserved character, offering a performance that was subtle and deeply felt. The movie itself is, arguably, a thoughtful look at family connections and personal struggles, and his part in it is, quite honestly, very moving. It was a chance for him to show a more serious side of his acting abilities.
"The Freshman" from 1990 also gave him a chance to work alongside some very experienced actors in a story that, basically, blended comedy with elements of crime. He played a film student who, as it turns out, gets caught up with a mob boss who resembles a famous movie character. This film, in a way, allowed him to play a character who is a bit out of his depth, navigating unusual situations with a mix of humor and sincerity. It showed his ability to hold his own in a story with some really big personalities.
Even in films that might be seen as more comedic, he often brings a certain depth to his characters, which, you know, makes them feel more real. His choices in roles, as a matter of fact, suggest a performer who is interested in more than just making people laugh. He looks for parts that, perhaps, allow him to explore different human experiences, whether they are, you know, very funny or more serious.
How Do Matthew Broderick Movies Compare - Best and Worst?
When looking at the full list of Matthew Broderick’s work, people often have their favorites, and, you know, some films are more widely praised than others. Films like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "The Lion King," and "Glory" are, generally, seen as some of his best and most impactful contributions. These are the ones that, in fact, often come up in discussions about his career, receiving good reviews and being remembered fondly by audiences. They are, quite honestly, the movies that truly highlight his particular strengths as a performer.
On the other hand, some films might not have done as well at the box office or received as many positive comments from critics. For instance, while "Godzilla" was a big production, it didn't always get the warmest reception for its story. It's interesting to see how his movies are, basically, compared by things like how much money they made, what people said about them, and if they won any awards. This kind of comparison, you know, helps to put his body of work into perspective.
Ultimately, what makes a "best" or "worst" movie can be, in some respects, quite personal. However, looking at overall public opinion and critical response, some of his films are, pretty much, universally celebrated for their quality and his performance in them. These discussions, as I was saying, really show the lasting effect of his work on popular culture.
A Full Look at Matthew Broderick Movies - His Complete Work
To truly appreciate Matthew Broderick’s career, it helps to look at his complete filmography, which includes everything from his very first screen appearance to his more recent projects. This includes not just big movies but also, you know, smaller films, TV series, and even voice roles. His list of credits is, in fact, quite extensive, showing a consistent presence in the entertainment world over many decades.
We can find details about the titles, the year they came out, and the characters he played in each one. This kind of detailed list, you know, helps fans and curious people see the full breadth of his work. It’s interesting to trace his career over time, seeing how his roles and the types of stories he chose have, in a way, changed or developed.
Whether he was playing a leading role or a supporting part, he has, generally, contributed to a wide variety of cinematic and television experiences. His work includes everything from comedies to dramas, and even, as a matter of fact, animated features. This comprehensive view of his films and shows, basically, allows us to fully grasp the extent of his impact on the screen.
10 Best Matthew Broderick Movies (According To IMDb)
Matthew Broderick Movies
matthew broderick movies ranked - Lyda Neil
